Skills in Demand (SID) Visa - Subclass 482: Australia’s Employer-Sponsored Skilled Work Visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa - Subclass 482 (formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage or TSS visa) empowers Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot find suitably qualified Australians to fill critical roles. It’s a cornerstone of Australia’s skilled migration framework.
1. Purpose & Structure: Simplifying Skilled Migration
Effective 7 December 2024, the SID visa replaced the TSS model to streamline pathways and better address workforce shortages. The SID visa comes with a revised structure that includes:
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Reduced work experience requirement to 1 year full-time within the last five years
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Increased flexibility, allowing visa holders to change employers within their field in certain circumstances
2. SID Visa Streams: Core Options for Skilled Workers
The SID visa comprises three distinct streams tailored to different needs:
Core Skills Stream
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Occupations aligned with the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
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Applicants must meet a minimum income threshold (TSMIT ≈ AUD 73,150+).
Specialist Skills Stream
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For highly skilled professionals within qualifying ANZSCO occupational groups.
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Requires a higher salary threshold (approx. AUD 135,000).
Labour Agreement Stream
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Available when employers have a formal labour agreement with the government.
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May include concessions on English, salary, and experience requirements.
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3. Core Eligibility Criteria
Employer Requirements
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Must be an approved sponsor for Subclass 482.
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Must nominate an occupation on the CSOL or via a labour agreement - demonstrating a genuine vacancy.
For non-labour agreement roles, employers usually must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
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Applicant Requirements
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Nominated for a skilled role by the sponsor.
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Relevant skills and experience (now 1 year under new rules).
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Meet English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS with required bands). Exemptions apply for select passport holders or prior study in English.
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Must satisfy health and character checks.​​
4. Duration, Flexibility & Residency Pathways
5. Key Benefits & Updates
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Reduced experience threshold (1 year) makes SID more accessible.
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Increased job mobility-holders may shift employers within their field under specified conditions.
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Tailored streams for varied skill levels and industries.
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Supports pathway to permanent residency via Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).
6. Important Considerations
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Occupation must align with CSOL or recognised via a labour agreement.
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English, health, character, and skill requirements must all be met.
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Employers must follow labour market testing unless exempt.
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The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) has seen controversial omissions - such as key construction trades; prompting industry concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q1: What is the SID Visa (Subclass 482)?
It allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles they cannot fill locally. SID replaced the older TSS visa in December 2024.
Q2: What are the new SID visa streams?
Core Skills Stream, Specialist Skills Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream; each with distinct occupation and salary conditions.
Q3: How much work experience is needed for SID?
Minimum of 1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time/casual) within the last five years; down from the previous 2 years requirement.
Q4: Can the SID visa lead to permanent residency?
Yes—holders in Core or Specialist Skills Streams, or via Labour Agreement, may transition to permanent residency through the Subclass 186 ENS visa.
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